Job description
About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE), established in 2007 in Bonn, Germany, is one of two UNU Vice-Rectorates and the only one located in Europe. It supports the institutional development of UNU, facilitates collaboration across UNU and the UN, as well as fosters strategic partnerships - particularly with the Global South - and shares knowledge and expertise through the development of joint activities and projects. In addition, UNU-VIE conducts frontier research reinforcing existing UNU programming and supporting the implementation of key UN priorities. More information about UNU-VIE can be found here: https://unu.edu/vie.
The United Nations Universityโs Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research work, UNU-EHS offers education opportunities at the masterโs level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs.
Responsibilities
Under the authority of the Vice-Rector in Europe and the direct supervision of the Head of the Communication Department, the appointee shall contribute to the work of the Communication Department and be in particular responsible for the following areas of work:
1. Content production
Support the Communication Department in creating relevant content for different channels, in particular the UNU-EHS and UNU-VIE websites;
Serve as communication focal point to select academic divisions and translate their work into engaging, understandable content;
Provide visibility for research to external audiences by supporting the development and implementation of communication measures;
Initial basic drafting and article edits of op-eds, scripts, speeches and others forms of content as needed;
Identify news opportunities to highlight UNU-EHS and UNU-VIE work;
Support Communication Design Associate and Communication Analyst in the creation of videos;
Travel as needed to collect footage and communication from the ground in the case of fieldwork or international conferences such as the UN Climate Conference COP.
2. Support with media relations
Manage and expand the media mailing list, ensuring strong media engagement.
Assist the Head of Communication in drafting media advisories, releases, pitches, and op-eds.
Respond to media inquiries and coordinate logistics and technical support for interviews.
Organize media training opportunities and support researchers in key message development.
Monitor trends and current events to identify and leverage opportunities for media coverage of UNU-EHS projects.
3. Operational support and communication project coordination
Together with the Head of Communication, coordinate project logistics for communication projects such as the UNU-EHS flagship report, Interconnected Disaster Risks;
Develop and maintain timelines, draft terms of reference and deliverables, monitor progress of deliverables;
Support Head of Communication in coordination of external vendors.
4. Reporting and administrative support
Support Head of Communication in reporting for example for internal purposes, donors or UNU Centre;
Monitor UNUโs presence in the national and international media through effective use of media monitoring tools, and compile media coverage reports;
Maintain an overview of inventory and multimedia equipment;
Ensure that the Communication Departmentโs small studio space is kept functional, and equipment is in good working order.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Key performance indicators
High-quality and impactful content developed on time
Work of UNU-EHS and UNU-VIE is strategically and proactively communicated to target audiences
Timely and proactive coordination of media requests, growth of media mailing list
Administrative duties are fulfilled in a timely and thorough manner
Communication Department assets are managed with care and in a proactive manner
Communication projects are executed in a timely fashion and deliverables met
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion โ take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity โ act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility โ demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity โ act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate โ build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan โ seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact โ hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop โ pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate โ demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
High school diploma is required;
Preferably a bachelorโs degree or equivalent in communication, journalism, mass media or in a social or environmental science or other relevant discipline; a Secondary Education with specialized certification will be considered.
2) Required skills and experience
At least five (5) years of working experience with high school diploma or Bachelorโs degree with (3) years of professional working experience, preferably in an international and multicultural environment;
Progressively responsible work experience in communication position(s) is required;
Experience working in an international setting and/or in an organization focused on the environment is preferred;
Excellent time management, forward planning, and prioritization skills, with the ability to work under time pressure and meet tight deadlines are required;
Experience in identifying and coordinating external vendors is an asset;
Project management skills are an asset;
Demonstrated experience in translating complex concepts into understandable content, particularly in written form, is required;
Excellent command of oral and written English, including experience in proof-reading, is required;
Experience writing for media (media releases, media advisories, pitches) is required;
Experience interacting with journalists and preparing media interviews is required;
Experience with media monitoring tools is an asset;
Understanding of the media, UN and policymaking landscapes and related political sensitivities is an asset;
Ability to work as part of an integrated, international communication team is required;
Other Desirable Skills: Initiative, sound judgment, reliability, team player, ability to carry out work independently, and an interest in science and the environment.
3) Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required;
Knowledge of German as language of the duty station is an asset.
Remuneration
UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL
Duration of contract
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.
For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
Expected start date
Immediate
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
apply via the apply link;
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
11 May 2025
Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Special notice
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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